"Oh? So this is the new recruit our squad picked up this year? What an interesting little one. You sensed my presence ahead of time and instinctively reacted to it?
With talent like yours, you'd have no problem joining any of the other squads. So why choose the Fourth Division?"
Standing before Yecheng was a beautiful black-haired woman, radiating the elegance of a perfect Yamato Nadeshiko. She smiled gently as she spoke, yet Yecheng couldn't help but feel a chill run down his spine.
Never trust the ones with squinty eyes—they're always monsters.Don't be fooled by her soft, sisterly appearance. Yecheng knew exactly who this woman was: Retsu Unohana, one of the longest-serving captains of the Gotei 13.In fact, she had been part of the very first group that Yamamoto gathered when forming the organization.
Long ago, Unohana was known as the most terrifying criminal in Soul Society's history.Don't let her calm and gentle demeanor deceive you—if you counted all the people she's slain, their bodies could probably encircle the Seireitei.
If it hadn't been for another monster appearing back then, she would likely still be the strongest and most brutal Kenpachi to this day.
"Answer me, boy. With your level of strength, you'd be much more suited for Squad 11. Why insist on joining Squad 4?"
She kept her kind smile, but her spiritual pressure began to rise ominously, clearly pressing down directly on Yecheng.
Yecheng had carefully sealed and suppressed his own reiatsu. Most ordinary shinigami wouldn't notice a thing.But against a former Kenpachi? That trick wasn't going to work.
To be fair, Unohana could only tell that he was hiding something—how much, she couldn't say.But Yecheng's reflexive response when she appeared had already confirmed it: there was no way his swordsmanship was just "above average," like his file claimed.
Naturally, Unohana wasn't about to let someone suspicious join her squad without some questioning.
"Joining Squad 4 has always been my dream. Back at the Shin'ō Academy, I trained specifically in Kaidō to prepare for it.As for my reasons… I've always admired the lifestyle of Squad 4 and deeply respect and admire you, Captain Unohana—that's part of it too.
Regarding my abilities, please believe me when I say I'm not hiding them out of bad intentions. I simply didn't want to draw too much attention.If you still have doubts, feel free to take me to the Kido Corps or the R&D Bureau for surveillance or reiatsu analysis."
As soon as he finished speaking, the immense pressure vanished like a receding tide.Yecheng, drenched in cold sweat, stood on ground that had visibly sunken beneath his feet—a clear sign of the force he'd just withstood.
Off to the side, the young woman Isane had collapsed completely, her body limp. Even though the spiritual pressure wasn't directed at her, just being exposed to that abyss-like force was enough to render a newbie like her completely powerless.
"Not only have you hidden your sword skills, but you've also lied about your reiatsu, haven't you?
To withstand the pressure I just released… your spiritual power must be quite high. Just how strong are you?"
Unohana didn't press the issue further.Not because Yecheng was ridiculously handsome and somehow maxed out her affection meter at first sight.But rather because, if he were really some kind of spy from Hueco Mundo or elsewhere, surely they'd have sent someone far more discreet.
Plus, after living for thousands of years, Unohana trusted her instincts when it came to reading people and detecting lies. And from what she could tell, most of what Yecheng had said was the truth.
At the very least, his admiration for Squad 4 and his genuine respect for her—that had been sincere. His spiritual pressure hadn't wavered when he said it.
"My swordsmanship… well, I'm fairly confident in it. Though of course, I'm nowhere near your level, Captain Unohana.As for my reiatsu…"
Yecheng paused for a moment before continuing calmly.
"…I actually achieved my Shikai over a year ago."
At that, both Unohana and the now half-conscious Isane widened their eyes in astonishment.
Shinigami and their Zanpakutō are one; the blade is an extension of the soul itself.While all Zanpakutō begin as long swords, that is only their sealed form.True Zanpakutō take unique shapes that reflect their wielder's soul.
Shikai is the first stage of releasing a Zanpakutō's true form. Upon release, the sword gains special abilities, and the user's spiritual pressure is significantly enhanced.
Don't underestimate Shikai—there are thousands of Shinigami in the Gotei 13, yet fewer than 10% can even achieve Shikai.Those who do are considered elites, capable of becoming seated officers.
Typically, it takes hundreds of years for a Shinigami to reach that level.
And yet… Yecheng, a sixth-year student who hadn't even officially graduated yet, had already achieved Shikai?
"No wonder you tried to hide your power. With talent like that, once word gets out, you'll definitely attract a lot of attention.
But are you really sure about this? With your potential, joining another squad would let you rise through the ranks much faster.Honestly, I could even recommend you to the Head Captain himself—you could be accepted into Squad 1 under special consideration."
A prodigy like this hadn't appeared in Soul Society for centuries.Even though Squad 1 was elite, as long as he wasn't gunning for a seated position immediately, Unohana believed Yecheng could absolutely join.
"I appreciate your kindness, Captain Unohana… but I'd like to stay true to my original goal.My dream is to join Squad 4 and become—"
"Hey! Ikkaku, you sure this guy you wanna fight is really here?"
Before Yecheng could even finish his sentence, a loud, gruff voice echoed from outside the recruitment area of Squad 4, full of excitement and aggression.